What If Gozer Destroyed the World in Ghostbusters?
In the 1984 film Ghostbusters, it is heavily implied that if the Ghostbusters had not stopped Gozer, the powerful ancient entity would have unleashed catastrophic destruction upon the world. Gozer is portrayed as a Sumerian goddess who brings about the end of the world, aligning with the film's themes of the supernatural and chaos.
The climax of the film sees the Ghostbusters facing off against Gozer, who manifests in the form of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The Ghostbusters' successful defeat of Gozer prevents the entity from achieving its destructive plan. However, what if they had failed?
Consequences of Gozer's Triumph
Assuming the Ghostbusters had failed, Gozer would likely have reshaped reality, causing widespread devastation. This idea is supported by the alternate universes depicted in later films and media, such as Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which delve further into the consequences of Gozer's actions.
Prior Events and Gozer's Reputation
Not all is certain, however, as there is evidence that Gozer has caused destructive events in the past. For instance, in Afterlife, we see dates carved into the temple walls at the old Shandor Mining Co. These dates include 1883, 1908, 1945, etc., each marking significant historical events, such as the Krakatoa eruption, the Tunguska Blast, and the end of World War II. These events align with the destructive nature of Gozer, and Sumer was known to worship such a powerful entity.
Unconfirmed Defeats and Uncertain Outcomes
While the Ghostbusters and their allies have defeated Gozer in the films, it is possible that other heroes or sorcerers may have stopped the entity in the past. In Ghostbusters II, we learn that magic is prevalent in the Ghostbusters universe, as they battled a Lich. Similarly, in Frozen Empire, there is a group of fire magic users who defeated the god Garraka, also of Sumerian origin. However, these instances are few and far between, and we only have confirmation that Gozer was defeated in 1984 and 2021.
Localized Destruction and Return to Dimension
Given Vinz Clortho's description of the events of the "Rectification of the Vuldronaii" and the "Third Reconciliation of the Meketrex Supplicants," it appears that Gozer was not always successfully stopped. As Clortho states, "many Shubs and Zulls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of a Sloar that day." This suggests that Gozer's destruction may have been local and regional, rather than a worldwide event.
New York City would likely be the primary target, with the northeastern United States facing significant devastation. The Middle East might also suffer, but Oklahoma might survive with little to no noticeable impact. If the Ghostbusters, along with Phoebe, had failed in Afterlife, Gozer would return to its home dimension, either by consuming the energy of the ghosts or bound by other imperative laws.
Conclusion
The potential for Gozer to destroy the world in Ghostbusters is a fascinating concept, supported by the film's narrative and evidence from alternate universes. While it is heavily implied that the Ghostbusters stopped Gozer in 1984, the possibility of earlier defeats and localized destruction remains a compelling aspect of the franchise.